CAIR-Georgia Demands Teacher at Lafayette High School Apologize for Allegedly Referring to Palestinian Student as ‘Terrorist’
(ATLANTA, GA, 2/13/2024) – On Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) held a press conference to demand that Perry Fouts, a teacher at Lafayette High School, issue a formal apology to a Palestinian student for allegedly calling the student a “terrorist” on multiple occasions. Despite several attempts by the client and their child to receive a formal apology from Fouts, there has been no indication that one is forthcoming.
WATCH VIDEO HERE: Livestream of the press conference
James Darraj, the Lafayette High School student stated, “Being labeled a terrorist because I am Palestinian is not only hurtful to me but perpetuates dangerous stereotypes at a time when children across this country, both Jewish and Palestinian, are experiencing unprecedented violence based on their religious and ethnic origins.”
Sara Hall, the mother of James Darraj stated, “I am distressed to learn that despite being found in violation of HB-1084 and the Walker County IKBB policy by the principal, the personnel director, and the student services director, Mr. Fouts has refused to acknowledge the inappropriateness of his remarks and the harm he caused my son. This is a clear indication of a failure to uphold the values of respect, inclusivity, and safety that are essential in any educational environment. He was asked by both the principal and superintendent to write a formal apology addressed to my son acknowledging the harm he caused and the inappropriateness of his remarks. He did not comply with either request.”
CAIR-Georgia Staff Attorney Keon Grant stated, “Since October 2023, CAIR-GA has seen a 660% increase in reports of Islamophobia and anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian discrimination/harassment, most of which are occurring in schools and businesses. Whereas in 2022, civil rights complaints made up just over half of our intakes, that number is up to a staggering 87.6% of our cases since October 2023.In addition to the emotional and psychological pain caused by this treatment, we need to understand the danger that hateful rhetoric can pose to these communities.”
CAIR-Georgia demands Mr. Fouts formally apologize to James Darraj. They also ask the superintendent to condemn this act of discrimination and put measures in place to prevent repetition of such bias.
CAIR-Georgia’s mission is to protect civil rights, promote justice, empower American Muslims, and enhance the understanding of Islam.
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CONTACT: Keon Grant, Staff attorney CAIR-Georgia, [email protected], (470)-604-7877, Nazia Khanzada, CAIR-Georgia Communications Manager, [email protected], (404)-239-2086
SEE BELOW: Previous official “apology” from Mr. Fouts sent to Sara Hall on 12/10/23.